Prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey shall be made, by a
competent person, of the structure to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion
of the structure. Any adjacent structure where employees may be exposed shall also be similarly checked. The employer shall have in writing evidence
that such a survey has been performed.

1926.850(b)

When employees are required to work within a structure to be demolished which has been damaged by fire,
flood, explosion, or other cause, the walls or floor shall be shored or braced.

1926.850(c)

All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines shall be shut off, capped, or otherwise
controlled, outside the building line before demolition work is started. In each case, any utility company which is involved shall be notified in
advance.

1926.850(d)

If it is necessary to maintain any power, water or other utilities during demolition, such lines shall
be temporarily relocated, as necessary, and protected.

..1926.850(e)

1926.850(e)

It shall also be determined if any type of hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives, flammable materials,
or similarly dangerous substances have been used in any pipes, tanks, or other equipment on the property. When the presence of any such substances is
apparent or suspected, testing and purging shall be performed and the hazard eliminated before demolition is started.

1926.850(f)

Where a hazard exists from fragmentation of glass, such hazards shall be removed.

1926.850(g)

Where a hazard exists to employees falling through wall openings, the opening shall be protected to a
height of approximately 42 inches.

1926.850(h)

When debris is dropped through holes in the floor without the use of chutes, the area onto which the
material is dropped shall be completely enclosed with barricades not less than 42 inches high and not less than 6 feet back from the projected edge of
the opening above. Signs, warning of the hazard of falling materials, shall be posted at each level. Removal shall not be permitted in this lower area
until debris handling ceases above.

1926.850(i)

All floor openings, not used as material drops, shall be covered over with material substantial enough
to support the weight of any load which may be imposed. Such material shall be properly secured to prevent its accidental movement.

..1926.850(j)

1926.850(j)

Except for the cutting of holes in floors for chutes, holes through which to drop materials,
preparation of storage space, and similar necessary preparatory work, the demolition of exterior walls and floor construction shall begin at the top
of the structure and proceed downward. Each story of exterior wall and floor construction shall be removed and dropped into the storage space before
commencing the removal of exterior walls and floors in the story next below.

1926.850(k)

Employee entrances to multistory structures being demolished shall be completely protected by sidewalk
sheds or canopies, or both, providing protection from the face of the building for a minimum of 8 feet. All such canopies shall be at least 2 feet
wider than the building entrances or openings (1 foot wider on each side thereof), and shall be capable of sustaining a load of 150 pounds per square
foot.

Thank You for Visiting Our Website

You are exiting the Department of Labor's Web server.

The Department of Labor does not endorse, takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over the linked organization or its views, or contents, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on the destination server. The Department of Labor also cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked Web sites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the linked Web site. Thank you for visiting our site. Please click the button below to continue.